Educational and Cultural Series

The Redlands Forum, sponsored by Esri and the University of Redlands Town & Gown, offers educational and cultural programs on a variety of topics for free or at nominal cost. Presenters include government and business leaders, environmentalists, filmmakers, and performers.

Past Events

2016

The rumors are true—the Museum of Redlands is coming!
Get a sneak peek of the first museum dedicated to the history and culture of Redlands, California.
The project coordinators Dr. Larry Burgess, Don McCue, and Steve Stockton talked about the vision for the museum, where it will be located, funding, and perhaps the most important question: “How can you volunteer?”

September 29, 2016Hillary Jenkins, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Redlands

Drought is plaguing the American Southwest. 2014 was the driest in 120 years, prompting radical redistribution of water, new economic water choices, and shifts in the hydrologic dynamics of forest ecosystems. But what drives these changes and are they likely to continue in the future? Are we on the brink of a regime shift where extreme climate is the norm?
Dr. Jenkins will discuss her research into the long-term records of precipitation in California. She will highlight recent changes in the hydrology of California’s forests and provide a glimpse into how these once mighty ecosystems may be irreversibly altered in an ever-warming world.

A. A. Milne's classic tale Winnie-the-Pooh has delighted audiences for nearly a century. The story's characters—Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and the rest of the gang—are famous, but how much do we know about the setting, the Hundred Acre Wood?
Kathryn Aalto, the author of The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh, shows us what we can learn from studying the intersection of nature and culture in Winnie-the-Pooh.

September 1, 2016Steve Shackelton, Former Chief Ranger of the National Park Service

Steve Shackelton knows a thing or two about national parks. As the chief ranger of the National Park Service from 2010 to 2012, he helped manage 84 million acres of parkland, which saw 280 million visitors per year.
As the National Park Service celebrates its centennial, Shackelton believes geographic information system (GIS) technology is instrumental in protecting these natural wonders for another 100 years.
By using high-tech mapping tools built by Esri, the National Park Service is improving its visitor services, offsetting the effects of climate change, and dealing with large-scale events like wildfire and insect infestation.

In the setting of a life changing illness, the distinction separating those that triumph and those that despair can be very narrow and often determined by our health care environment.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenfeld Professor of Neurology and Director of the Neuromuscular / ALS programs at Loma Linda University School of Medicine will share his insights from 20 years of proving care for patients with neurological disease.
Several unique aspects of neurological disease have led to a novel, exciting and innovative program in The Center of Restorative Neurology being developed at Loma Linda. Dr. Rosenfeld will share details of this program with stories of triumph and despair as he explores the art of prescribing hope.

Phil Volker is a husband, father, and veteran with stage IV cancer and a dream: to walk the 500-mile El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.

At the next Redlands Forum, hear Volker's inspiring story from author and filmmaker Annie O'Neil. Her latest documentary, Phil's Camino, chronicles Volker's journey from Vashon Island, Washington, to Spain. During his journey, Volker doesn't let circumstances define him and finds himself grateful, transcending the tension and suffering caused by his illness.

In the few decades following World War II, Redlands experienced growth, prosperity, and change, which can be seen in the architecture and development from that era.

At the next Redlands Forum, we welcome Nathan Gonzales, head archivist of the A. K. Smiley Public Library, who will show how the intersection of industry, events, and trends shaped Redlands as we know it today.

Birds and math aren't things we typically think go together. But avid birder and University of Redlands mathematics professor, Dr. Sandy Koonce, has found a fascinating intersection between the two.

At the next Redlands Forum, Dr. Koonce will show you how he's using computer-generated mathematical models to understand birds in our area. He'll also talk about his work with the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society and discuss the county's surprisingly large and diverse array of avifauna.

If author Andrea Wulf could invite one person from the past to a dinner party, it would be explorer Alexander von Humboldt.

From climbing the world's tallest volcanoes to racing through an anthrax-infested Siberia, Humboldt lived a life of adventure and discovery. In her new book, The Invention of Nature, Wulf looks at the life of this extraordinary individual and how he shaped the way we see nature today.

At the next Redlands Forum, hear Wulf's own adventures from researching Humboldt and learn why he was the inspiration for Charles Darwin, William Wordsworth, Thomas Jefferson, and others.

Andrea Wulf will be hosting a book signing from 5:00pm - 5:30pm.
Books will be available for purchase onsite from 5:00pm - 5:30pm.

From James Bond to Napoleon Solo to Harry Hart, moviegoers are transfixed by debonair secret agents. But what is so appealing about these suave, sophisticated spies?

At the next Redlands Forum, rendezvous with Dr. Piers Britton, who will brief you on everything you need to know about the spy genre.

Britton is the director of visual and media studies at the University of Redlands and coauthor of Reading between Designs. He is also the author of TARDISbound: Navigating the Universes of Doctor Who and is currently working on Immaterial Culture, a book about production design.

Don't miss this exciting foray into the world of silver screen espionage.

Every day, whether it be on TV or online, we're exposed to news stories that shape our lives. But how do these stories come together? What goes on behind the scenes? How is news made?

At the next Redlands Forum, hear from West Coast editorial producer Kelsey Myers of CBS This Morning. From covering captivating moments, such as the Super Bowl, to the heartbreaking tragedies of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks, Myers has seen it all.

Join us for an inside look at the fast-paced world of TV news and the trends Myers predicts for its future.

Join us for an evening with distinguished professor, historian, and author, Dr. Edward L. Ayers as he shows us his latest project, “Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States.”

This digital online atlas creates new ways for exploring the drama and complexity of America's past. Dr. Ayers will show how geographic understanding, combined with new technology, reveals historical patterns that are invisible from conventional methods.

Dr. Ayers' talk will be a true delight for history buffs and map lovers alike.

February 11, 2016Kevin Eubanks, 15-year Musical Director for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

You may remember Kevin Eubanks as Jay Leno's affable sidekick and bandleader from The Tonight Show, but do you know about his long and accomplished musical career offscreen?

Long before his sizzling guitar solos electrified late-night TV, Eubanks attended Berklee College of Music. He went on to tour with jazz greats Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Sam Rivers, and Ron Carter. At the age of 25, he recorded his first album. Today, Eubanks continues to flourish as a jazz musician and composer. He's released numerous albums, including Duets, corecorded with Stanley Jordan, and The Messenger, which was nominated for a 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album.

When not onstage or in the studio, Eubanks dedicates his time to music education in Los Angeles public schools. Music, he says, can "educate, uplift, and inspire self-confidence."

Join us at the next Redlands Forum to hear about Eubanks's inspiring life of music, charity, and show biz.

For the past two years, James and Deborah Fallows have been traveling across the country, telling stories about resilient communities for The Atlantic's American Futures project.

The husband-and-wife duo have highlighted the surprising ways civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators are solving major economic and social problems in places such as Redlands, California; Burlington, Vermont; and Holland, Michigan.

Now the Fallowses are back in Redlands to report on a new series of mayors' conferences, hosted at the University of Redlands, designed to link the citizens, businesspeople, and civic leaders who are creating the next stage of American growth.

At the next Redlands Forum, hear from the Fallowses about the conferences and what they mean to Redlands and the surrounding area.

Please note the special start time of this presentation. It will be from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Doors will open for check in at 5:30pm.

January 7, 2016Jim Bueermann, President of the Police FoundationJarrod Burguan, Chief of Police of San Bernardino Police DepartmentModerator: Evan Sanford, University of Redlands Junior and Campus Radio Station Manager

Should we be afraid today? How do we make our communities safe places? When bad things happen, what do we do? These are many of the questions that have surfaced in our community lately.
At the next Redlands Forum, President of the Police Foundation and former Redlands Chief of Police, Jim Bueermann will help provide clarity and insight into ways to stay safe in any situation. Joining him will be San Bernardino Chief of Police, Jarrod Burguan, who led the response to the recent mass-shooting at the Inland Regional Center.

Join us for a discussion between Bueermann and Burguan, moderated by University of Redlands student and campus radio station manager, Evan Sanford.

2015

We’re excited to welcome members of the Redlands Symphony to the 2015 Redlands Forum’s annual holiday program. The musicians will perform selections by Mozart followed by traditional holiday favorites such as “Deck the Halls” and “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen.” The program will conclude with a beautiful rendition of the classic carol, “Silent Night.”

We hope you will be able to join us for this festive night of holiday cheer.

For the next Redlands Forum, we welcome marine biologist and associate University of Redlands professor Lei Lani Stelle, PhD.

Stelle will discuss the human impact on whales along the Southern California coast and tell you how you can help them by tracking whale sightings with your smartphone. Whale mAPP, a mobile and web mapping application developed by Stelle and others, empowers anyone with a smartphone to become a citizen scientist.

Join us to learn more about whales and what you can do to help researchers save these gentle giants.

What does a retired dentist, a doctor, and a financial planner have in common? There’s no punchline—just three friends who share a love for hiking.

But not leisurely hiking—real hiking. Together, Redlands residents Dr. Kim Clark, Dr. Patrick Hoag, and Dave Maupin have summited Mt. San Bernardino, Mt. Baden-Powell, and Mt. Whitney. Last year, they and a group of others, even reached the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at a (literally) breath-taking elevation of 19,341 feet.

At the next Redlands Forum hear how these three local men are beating boredom and staying fit in their golden years.

The Redlands Forum is excited to welcome award-winning children’s poet, Kristine O'Connell George. Kristine’s titles include The Great Frog Race, Little Dog Poems, and Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems, to name a few. She is the winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (plus many others), and studied with renowned children’s poet Myra Cohn Livingston at UCLA.

In her presentation, “Old Elm Speaks, A Child Listens,” Kristine will talk about her creative process and how life in the Santa Monica Mountains influences her work. She will also discuss the value of poetry in the classroom, and read excerpts from Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an accomplished children’s author for a presentation that will delight both young and old.

The Redlands Forum is proud to welcome Maestro Jon Robertson to the stage. The Jamaican-born musician has had a long and distinguished career as pianist, conductor, academic, and humanitarian.

After receiving his Masters Degree from Juilliard, Maestro Robertson went on to conduct in such far-off destinations as Sweden, Norway, Germany, China, Egypt, and Redlands.

Maestro Robertson has received many special honors during his career, including an honorary degree from Loma Linda University, the lifetime achievement award from the National Society of Arts and Letters, and an honorary degree from the University of Redlands for his leadership of the Redlands Symphony, and his important humanitarian work with Foundation Hope for Haiti.

Please join us for Maestro Robertson’s inspiring story at the next Redlands Forum.

In California, we are all thinking about the drought. Water is no longer just a utility, it’s a commodity.

But, how much do you know about our water? Where does it come from? Where does it go? Is there enough for everyone?

Get answers to these and other questions at the next Redlands Forum. And, discover why the Inland Empire is better prepared for the drought than you may think. Celeste Cantú, General Manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, will join us to talk about the sustainability plan known as One Water One Watershed.

Join the fun as Disney Creative Director Marilyn Magness leads a celebration of Disneyland's dazzling 60 year history, and meet her surprise guest - someone who worked side by side with Walt Disney as he helped to define the term "Family Entertainment."

Are you ready to explore the earth's final frontier? Join Esri chief scientist Dawn Wright as she takes you on a journey through the vast and largely unexplored realm of our planet's oceans.

Besides working at Esri, Wright maintains an affiliated faculty appointment at the Oregon State University College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and has recently served on advisory boards for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Bank.

May 5, 2015 Governor Martin O'Malley in Conversation with James Fallows

Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley and The Atlantic correspondent James Fallows discuss the great challenge of our time: balancing budgets while making modern investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure, including information systems like GIS.

Named "the best manager in government" by Washington Monthly magazine, Governor O'Malley has made it his mission to become a master of the political balancing act: tackling spending cuts and regulatory reform while making modern investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure, including cutting-edge use of GIS.

Since he was first elected in 2007, Governor O'Malley has made education and career readiness a key priority for Maryland. Under the governor's leadership, Maryland has earned the title of having the "Best Public Schools in America" for an unprecedented five years in a row by Education Week magazine.

Don't miss your chance to hear directly about the GIS applications that have made Martin O’Malley one of the most technologically-savvy governors in the United States.

As 1865 dawned both the North and the South were exhausted from four years of sanguinary combat that had cost at least 600,000 lives. Finally, in April, Robert E. Lee was compelled to surrender the main Confederate Army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Having successfully shepherded his nation through the maelstrom of war, President Abraham Lincoln was felled by an assassin's bullet at the moment of victory. Was it part of a larger conspiracy? Lincoln Memorial Shrine Director Don McCue will conclude his sesquicentennial examination of the American Civil War with a presentation focusing on dramatic events of 1865.

April 2, 2015 James and Deborah Fallows, correspondents for The Atlantic

Bruce Babbitt is the former Secretary of the Interior and two-term Governor of Arizona. During his tenure as Secretary, Babbitt dedicated his efforts to protecting and restoring some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Florida Everglades, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

Now, Babbitt is working on a new cause—fighting to save the Amazon Rainforest. Join us to hear about his experience and the unconventional idea that just might allow industry and conservation to exist side by side.

There was a time when one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity hangouts was right in our backyard. The Arrowhead Springs Hotel, just north of San Bernardino, was a favorite haunt of Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, Lucille Ball, and many others.

But there’s more to Arrowhead Springs than celebrities and famous bottled water. Join historian Mark Landis, author of Arrowhead Springs, California’s Ideal Resort to learn more about the luxury hotel’s humble origins and the mythical arrowhead formation and springs that defined the region.

February 18, 2015Stephanie Meeks, President and CEO, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Redlanders know a thing or two about preservation, and so does Stephanie K. Meeks, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Under her leadership at the National Trust, Ms. Meeks has helped preserve places like Teddy Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch and Joe Frazier’s Gym.

Join us for a special presentation by Ms. Meeks about how the National Trust is confronting new challenges faced by the preservationist movement and how communities like Redlands can engage citizens to help protect its heritage.

Ms. Meeks will be joined on stage by David Gadsden, Nonprofit Sector manager at Esri, who will discuss how GIS mapping is being used to protect the historic James River landscape in Virginia.

On Wednesday, February 4, the doctor is in! Join the Inland Empire's leading health experts Dr. Estella Geraghty, Esri's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Hart, Loma Linda University President, and Dr. Ingrid Blomquist of Loma Linda University Medical Center, for a candid conversation on Ebola. Together, they will describe the factors behind the perfect storm of the Ebola epidemic, the biological spread of the virus and how this knowledge works to prevent panic and discrimination. Then, get an inside look at how health officials are mapping the disease and why we should promote greater collaboration among human health, animal health, and environmental health experts to stop the spread of Ebola.

January 26, 2015James Fallows, National Correspondent for The Atlantic

In a controversial and widely-read article in The Atlantic this month, the University of Redlands's own "Distinguished Fellow" James Fallows argues that America has become a "chickenhawk nation," in which the public is happy to sends its troops off for perpetual -- and losing -- wars, as long as it doesn't have to pay serious attention to them. The article points out that America has twice as many family farmers as it does people in the military, and that there were only two sentences of discussion about the trillion-dollar national security budget in the most recent presidential debates.

Is this description of the world's strongest military fair? What does it mean for the next generation of Americans -- including those who might be subject to a draft?

Do you have a passion for music? Don’t miss University of Redlands historian Dr. James Sandos and independent scholar Tish Sandos, for a look into the lives of mission Indian instrumentalists. Explore how their participation in musical performances had powerful social impacts upon Indian community development, beyond the conventional consideration of historians and musicologists. Spanish mission music was on par with the best European performances, confirming travelers accounts of the beauty of the Indian musical performances they witnessed. For Mission Indians, the emotional power of singing together, whether in choir or congregation – provided a sense of belonging, if not pride, to an institution (the church) and a ritual (the mass) that endured beyond hunger, disease, and death.

Join us as we take an unforgettable journey through the sounds of liturgical music and a rare instance of tribal song!

2014

December 15, 2014 Katherine Baber, University of Redlands, Musicologist and Assistant Professor of Music History

On Monday, December 15 we welcome musicologist and assistant professor of music history, Katherine Baber from the University of Redlands for a harmonious exploration of music for the Christmas season. Together we'll discover the meaning behind our favorite holiday tunes, such as why we're always dreaming of a "White Christmas." And what Christmas celebration would be complete without carols? This festive forum will also feature a special sing-along led by a string quartet of Redlands students, under the direction of Artist Professor and RSO Concertmaster Jeanne Skrocki.

So gather your friends and family, and grab your jingle bells, because this festive forum is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

December 3, 2014 Dr. Kathy Feeley, University of Redlands, Professor and Author

Gossip. It’s a powerful form of communication that can empower one person while disempowering another. But what is it that intrigues us about spreading the details of the social and personal lives of others, and, how did it all get started?

On Wednesday, December 3 get the inside scoop on the history of gossip in America when the author and contributors of When Private Talk Goes Public: Gossip in American History, Dr. Kathy Feeley, Dr. Erica Ball, and Dr. Tim Seiber delve into the uses and abuses of gossip over the last four centuries, from colonial New England’s witchcraft crisis to modern celebrity culture.

Spread the word and join us for a riveting discussion on how American news and history really gets made.

On November 18, the Redlands Forum is proud to present acclaimed author and artist, Eugene Yelchin.

Yelchin, a self-made entrepreneur who built his success in writing and painting from the ground up, immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1983. He has since been honored in both fields including the Tomie DePaola illustration award, a Newbery Honor award, the National Jewish Book Award and his character designs for Rango helped earn the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2011.

Relive Yelchin’s personal story of his rise to the top, from an immigrant house painter to accomplished writer and illustrator, told first hand by the author himself.

National Geographic – one of the most iconic publications of all time is celebrating its 126th year!

Join us at the Redlands Forum on Tuesday, November 4 to celebrate with President and CEO of National Geographic, Gary E. Knell. Take a step back in time as Knell recounts the journey of National Geographic from its first issue in 1888 to becoming one of the largest scientific and educational nonprofits in the world.

Learn how National Geographic grew to gain a readership of 600 million from its beginnings in photography, map making and exploration, chronicling the story of Planet Earth, its people and cultures.

Laptops, smart phones and tablets –oh my! Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives, changing the way that we work and communicate by keeping us in constant connection with one another. But could the technology we’ve come to rely on so much be rewiring our brains?

On Thursday, October 30, learn how modern technology is changing the way our brains work from award-winning doctor, best-selling author and professor, Gary Small, M.D. of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Named as one of the world’s top 50 innovators in science and technology by Scientific American magazine, Dr. Small will explain how our constant exposure to technology has created a new generation gap, a brain gap between younger and older minds and how we have adjusted to this new high-tech environment.

Find out how you can adapt to this pivotal point in brain evolution by balancing both human interaction and technological skills. It’s a presentation that’s sure to blow your mind!

Named "the best manager in government" by Washington Monthly magazine, Governor O'Malley has made it his mission to become a master of the political balancing act: tackling spending cuts and regulatory reform while making modern investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure, including cutting-edge use of GIS.

Since he was first elected in 2007, Governor O'Malley has made education and career readiness a key priority for Maryland. Under the governor's leadership, Maryland has earned the title of having the "Best Public Schools in America" for an unprecedented five years in a row by Education Week magazine.

Don't miss your chance to hear directly from one of the most technologically-savvy governors in the United States.

The Redlands Forum is proud to welcome Institutional Stove Solutions. InStove manufactures safe, clean, and highly efficient cookstoves and related technologies to improve the health and environment of the world’s poorest communities. Today, InStove technologies are used in 23 countries around the world, including 15 countries in Africa.

On Wednesday, September 24, learn how Tom Tomlinson and Fred Colgan combined their professional know-how with their passion for humanitarian work to develop InStove. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about how the science of stoves can serve as engines of change! Join us at the next Redlands Forum.

September 11, 2014 Jeff Martin, Director of Sales, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza & William McCalmon, Chairman of the Redlands 4th of July Celebration

Get an insider’s look from behind the scenes of Redlands’ iconic Fourth of July celebration. Take a step back in time as you relive the history of our city’s patriotic pyrotechnics as told by 41-year Chairman of the Redlands Fourth of July Committee, Bill McCalmon.
The City of Redlands plays host to one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the State of California. Jeff Martin, Pyro Technician and Director of Sales for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza will show you what it takes to put on a stunning pyrotechnic display - from making firework shells to planning the perfect grand finale.

Now in its 51st year, the BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who remains an international phenomenon. On May 28, meet June Hudson, costume designer for the Doctor Who series, who will tell all about her experience designing the space-age wardrobe for that popular television classic. The forum will be an intimate conversation with University of Redlands professor and Doctor Who expert Piers Britton. Hudson will present some of the series’ most iconic costume designs, covering her classic design portfolio to the costumes of Howard Burden, the series’ current lead costume designer and Hudson’s former assistant.

Whether you’re a Doctor Who fanatic or just a fan of far-out fashion, plan to attend the forum and experience more than half a century of classic sci-fi costume design.

May 23, 2014 T. Alexander Aleinikoff, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees

The world faces an unprecedented number of simultaneous refugee emergencies—from Syria and South Sudan to the Central African Republic and Mali. These crises are fed by conflict and sociopolitical situations that defy easy solution. How can the international community best respond to this tsunami of human need? Join us at the Redlands Forum on Friday, May 23, to hear United Nations Deputy High Commissioner T. Alexander Aleinikoff explain the state of this crisis. Aleinikoff has ideas for helping refugees that merge relief with economic development.

May 13, 2014 Dr. Scott Stevens, University of Redlands John and Linda Seiter Endowed Director of Writing

Despite the widely shared opinion that Americans don't write as well or as often as we used to, research tells a more complicated story about the changing character of writing in our culture. Join University of Redlands Professor and Director of Writing Scott Stevens as he tells the real story about the state of writing in America.

Is it worsening, in stasis, or improving? Attend the forum to find out!

April 29-30, 2014 Lee Stetson as John Muir; Alan Sutterfield as President Roosevelt

In 1903, two men took a three-day camping trip in Yosemite, California, and forged the legacy of National Parks in the U.S. Those two men were President Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir, first president of the Sierra Club.

On April 29, 2014, the Redlands Forum will present this drama in a fascinating one-act play written by Lee Stetson called The Tramp and the Roughrider II: An Evening in Bridalveil Meadow. This is the sequel to Stetson’s acclaimed original play The Tramp and the Roughrider: An Evening at Glacier Point, that re-enacts the crucial conversations that led to preserving some of the most valuable wilderness on the planet.

Attention Redlands natives! If you’ve ever strolled in Prospect Part, you’ve probably experienced the grand presence of Kimberly Crest. But have you ever wondered about its origin?

If so, join Tom Sutter, co-author of the book The Kimberlys: A Glimpse at One Family’s Years in North America, at a Redlands Forum on April 22, 2014, to hear the story of Redlands’ most important mansion. Sutter will share photographs and explain how key figures Helen Cheney Kimberly and Emma Kimberly Shirk created this iconic historic building.

Attention film and ecology buffs! The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is returning to Redlands for the sixth straight year. The festival will screen award-winning and thought provoking short films about conservation, wildlife, and the effects of climate change. They’ll transport you to the most remote places on earth, where you'll meet animals and the people working to protect them.

Founded 12 years ago in Nevada City, California, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is one of the nation's premier environmental and adventure film events and aims to inspire bold new ideas and increase global awareness. Esri has hosted the festival since 2009.

Fans of art won’t want to miss the March 27 Redlands Forum. Join Dennis Ziemenski as he discusses his career trajectory, from his start in the illustration field to his current work in the fine art world. Ziemenski will use projected images of his own work plus the work of artists who have inspired him such as Edward Hopper and Maynard Dixon. The evening will conclude with a Q&A segment where people can pick Ziemenski’s brain on the business of art, technique, and inspiration.

Are you fascinated with public transportation and where it’s headed? Join Scott F. Belcher, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, on February 18, 2014, for a stimulating presentation on the future of transportation. With Redlands’ plan to become a major Metrolink hub by 2017, there’s no better time to learn about this topic!

Belcher has 20 years experience in public transportation and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia, a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Redlands.

Are you a history buff? We have just the event for you! Join Lincoln Memorial Shrine and A.K. Smiley Library Director Don McCue at the Redlands Forum on Tuesday, February 4 for the latest installment of the Lincoln Shrine’s ongoing commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

McCue will detail the dramatic events of 1864, which culminated in the reelection of Abraham Lincoln.

Are you interested in knowing more about how the Affordable Care Act will affect you? If so, join Bill Davenhall, Esri’s former Global Manager for Health and Human Services and now Senior Health Advisor, at the Redlands Forum on Monday, January 27. In his talk “Population Health and Personal Health: What’s the Difference?”, Bill will clarify the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and explain why it probably matters to you and your family's health.

Bill will also speak about a new field of health informatics called geomedicine that improves how personal health data is used by patients and their physicians. Bill will take questions at the conclusion of his presentation.

2013

Back by popular demand, our holiday Redlands Forum will once again host a special production of Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory. Performed by Chris Beach and Sally Norton, the play is a special holiday event for the whole family with live music, sound effects, and heartfelt storytelling. This is the third year A Christmas Memory will be performed as part of the Redlands Forum Series.

A Christmas Memory is Capote's masterful short memoir. Set in rural Alabama during the Depression, it recalls Capote's unique childhood friendship with his elder cousin Miss Sook Faulk. The unlikely pair would scrape together pennies and bake fruitcakes to create presents they could mail to acquaintances around the world. The memory of that friendship—depicted in this live reader's performance—celebrates the power of love between generations and the spirit of giving.

November 26, 2013
November 27, 2013
December 9, 2013Work and Play Productions Hosted and narrated by Larry E. Burgess

Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Our Unique Town. Redlands finally has a film that details its rich philanthropic history and culture—and just in time for its 125th birthday! Join Work and Play Productions for the premiere of its documentary Redlands: A Celebration of 125 Years – 1888-2013. Hosted and narrated by Larry E. Burgess, the film is the long-awaited “biography” of one of the most unique towns and cultures in southern California.

November 7, 2013Dr. Karen Derris, Professor of Religious Studies at University of Redlands

Join Dr. Karen Derris, Professor of Religious Studies at University of Redlands, as she recounts two spell-binding trips to India with her students. During two month-long excursions in 2011 and 2013, Derris and her students engaged in extensive, transformative dialogues with His Holiness the 17TH Karmapa—one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most inspiring leaders. Derris will describe the Karmapa’s teachings on interdependence and how it can bring about global ethical change.

Karen Derris earned her Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Harvard University in 2000 and teaches in the areas of world religions, Asian religious traditions, and cross-cultural experience. She co-edited The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa (Shambala 2013).

Author Mike Graf wants to let you in on his secrets. He’s going to walk you through his entire creative process on writing his children’s book series, Adventures with the Parkers. He’ll explain everything from his initial concept to final draft.

Graf’s series of twelve books focus on national parks and he does a lot of hands on research to make his work come alive.

You'll hear all about his adventures from hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to encountering a grizzly in Yellowstone.

Meet 9 extraordinary girls from 9 different countries in the new film, Girl Rising.

You’ll be transported to Nepal, Cambodia, Eqypt, and around the globe. You’ll witness firsthand the struggles of these girls as they aim to get the one thing that is most important to their success – an education.

With voice performances by Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, and many others, Girl Rising will take you on an amazing journey.

Yep, it’s moved from street fairs to vaudeville to Vegas. Professional magician Mike Caveney will tell you all about magic’s deep history and show you rare magic artifacts dating back centuries.

Caveney is a 40-year veteran who has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and is the owner of the oldest private magic museum in America. His latest book is called MAGIC—From the 1400s to the 1950s and includes more than 200 photographs from his own collection.

Engage with one of America’s greatest magicians right here in Redlands (he promises he won’t pull a disappearing act).

The Redlands Forum opens this season with a presentation by Southland artist Joseph Stoddard.

Artists learn to see the world differently, which affords them a lifetime of discovery. For instance an impressionist may paint the same scene again and again, yet each painting is a discovery of variations of light, mood, color, perspective, or technique.

Joseph Stoddard takes us on a journey to familiar sites and helps you discover them with an artist’s eye. His sketches and watercolors of the University of Redlands and iconic scenes in the city of Redlands allow us to appreciate the beauty of the area and its setting. Stoddard’s subjects are familiar to many Californians, but his interpretation evokes new meaning adding value to local landscapes.

While describing his approach to art Stoddard will share about the people and places he has visited. He will arouse your inner-artist and inspire you to rediscover Southern California through a new lens.

Westways Magazine and Pasadena Magazine have featured Stoddard’s work on their covers. He has painted for many Pasadena events including the Bungalow Heaven Annual Tour, the Colorado Street Bridge Party, The Pasadena Showcase House of Design, and others. He produces art for the Pasadena Symphony and the Pasadena Pops Orchestra. His work has been recently featured in The Art of Watercolor, Studios, and Watercolor Artist. His books include Redlands Sketchbook, Pasadena Sketchbook first and second editions, and Expressive Color.

Stoddard is a partner at SKA Designs, an environmental graphics design office located in South Pasadena.

June 5, 2013David Yarnold, National Audubon Society President Watch video

National Audubon Society President David Yarnold says it happened through GIS. Come hear firsthand how he believes the Audubon Society reinvented itself through the use of cutting-edge mapping technology combined with grassroots efforts.

Yarnold is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, Forbes, CNN and NPR. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner, a marathoner, and, of course, an earnest bird watcher.

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Audubon Society from the person who knows it best. (Binoculars optional.)

Redlands-based architect Eric Shamp will share his thoughts on the new documentary, The Greenest Building. You’ll see clips from this intriguing film and find out why it’s raising questions about what ‘Going Green’ really means.

Join us to hear new perspectives on sustainability from Shamp and his colleagues and get a chance to share your own. Shamp is the founder of Ecotype Consulting, a sustainable architecture firm he runs out of an office within biking distance to his home.

You won’t want to miss this lively discussion led by one of Redland’s most fascinating innovators. (And yes, he will ride his bike to the event.)

Get out of the house for a night on the town with the Claremont-based band Squeakin' Wheels. The band mixes folk, country, blues, and rock to create unique sounds that will get you moving.

You'll hear soulful vocals blended with guitars, fiddles, and banjos as Squeakin' Wheels takes you on a journey through the American music landscape. You'll recognize your favorite songs and be treated to some new ones by siblings David and Marguerite Millard and their dynamic band of four.

No need to wear your Sunday best. Grab your most comfortable shoes or boots and you'll be all set for some serious toe tapping.

Calling all film buffs! The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming to Redlands. This is your chance to watch award-winning short films about conservation, wildlife, and climate change—films that will make you think. You'll be transported to the most remote places on earth, where you'll meet animals and the people working to protect them.

Founded in Nevada City, California, 11 years ago, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is one of the nation's premier environmental and adventure film events and aims to inspire forward-thinking ideas and global awareness. Esri has hosted the festival since 2009.

Change the way you see the world. Join us for this unique film experience at the Esri Auditorium. Click here for film descriptions.

April 25, 2013James Fallows, The Atlantic national correspondentWatch video

What is happening in our world today?

That’s the question on all our minds in recent days.

Come navigate the latest news with one of America’s most prominent journalists.

The Atlantic national correspondent and Redlands native James Fallows will bring you up-to-the-minute developments out of Washington, DC. He will share his opinion on where he thinks this country is going and why. He will also report on his most recent trip to China – where key economists and analysts are paying close attention to California.

Fallows is a former chief White House speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and award-winning documentary filmmaker who has lived in Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, and Beijing.

Lee Schwartz will reflect on his work as the geographer of the US Department of State, where he uses maps, imagery, and GIS to provide critical analysis for senior US government officials. At both headquarters and in field operations, his work provides a unique understanding of complex and interrelated events. It helps in complicated emergencies, natural disasters, human rights transgressions, boundary disputes, and resource conflicts. These examples will demonstrate how geointelligence improves decision making and policy in a broad range of countries from the Balkans to Afghanistan, Sudan, Haiti, and Sri Lanka.

What Makes You Happy? Get a Glimpse into the Science behind the Heart and Soul.

Enjoy a lively and inspiring look into the topic of happiness with Dr. Fran Grace. Whether you are feeling high on life or down in the dumps, this presentation will offer insights about why you feel the way you do. Through a vivid presentation with humor, visuals, and music, she will share some touchstones of her research on happiness and inner liberation. You will see and hear how she has applied the research to her own life, especially in the creation of a pioneering program at the University of Redlands that educates the mind-heart of students through the art and science of inner sustainability.

Grace has studied the mapping of human consciousness, focusing on happiness, bliss, joy, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and love, for many years. She is a professor of religious studies and steward of the Meditation Room program at the University of Redlands. Her research into spiritual life has received national attention (C-SPAN, NPR, etc.), and she is the founding director of a nonprofit organization called Inner Pathway.

Get a glimpse inside one of humankind’s great medical marvels: open-heart surgery. Esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Alan Malki will examine the history of open-heart surgery, from the earliest days of its development to the present. Using basic principles of human anatomy and physiology, Dr. Malki will describe the evolution of medical science as it is currently practiced.

Dr, Malki will trace the enormous biological barriers facing early surgeons as they braved new medical territory and attempted to save the lives of patients with terminal heart disease. He will highlight radically creative solutions that paved the way for the advances in the development of the "Heart-Lung Machine" and cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition, Dr. Malki will explore exciting possibilities in the future of cardiac surgical treatment.

2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the most important accomplishment of Abraham Lincoln's presidency: the Emancipation Proclamation. Although he was personally opposed to slavery, Lincoln was not an abolitionist and was elected president in 1860 on a platform of merely preventing slavery's extension into the new Western states. So what changed his mind?

Join us on February 5 as Don McCue, director of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, the only museum in the West dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War, recounts the important events that put slavery on the road to extinction.

Steven Layne’s love for reading is said to be contagious. Join Layne at an upcoming Redlands Forum where he will discuss practical ways to engage and inspire readers from kindergarten through high school. His new book, Igniting a Passion for Reading, is designed to help schools create a vibrant reading culture where students love to read and are motivated to enjoy great books.

Layne is a full-time professor of literacy education at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. He has worked at many grade levels and appeals to teachers, librarians, and anyone who loves reading, as well as to young readers with his award-winning books for children and young adults. He is a frequent keynote speaker at large conferences and gatherings of educators and librarians. Join us and learn how you can help to ignite a passion for reading among your children, grandchildren, and the children of Redlands.

2012

Join Chris Beach, Sally Norton, Wendy Hunt, and Matt Coleman as they continue the Reader’s Theater holiday performances at Esri with two new stories: O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi and Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales.
One of the most popular pieces from Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales is the retelling of Christmas from the view of a young child that portrays a nostalgic and simpler time. O. Henry’s short story The Gift of the Magi, is a sentimental classic about a young married couple challenged with buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.
You don’t want to miss this special event for the whole family with live music, live sound effects, and heartfelt storytelling. This year’s performance also features a special sing along at the end of the show.

Steven Spielberg's latest film, Lincoln, has not only achieved critical and financial success, it has also sparked renewed interest in one of America's most memorable figures: Abraham Lincoln. But what would he say about the film's artistic and historic integrity? While we can't ask him, we can learn from those who spend their life studying and researching the 16th president.

Larry Burgess, Director of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands California; Don McCue, Curator of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, and Nathan Gonzales, Associate Curator, will engage in an informal dialogue about Spielberg's Lincoln. The forum will allow attendees, who are encouraged to see the film before the program, to ask questions about the former president.

These distinguished scholars have all helped create and cultivate the nationally recognized Lincoln Memorial Shrine. The Shrine recently received the 2012 Wendy Allen Award of the Lincoln Forum for achievement by Lincoln organizations. It was also selected by Harold Holzer, distinguished Lincoln scholar and historical advisor to the Spielberg film, in USA Today on November 16 as one of the 10 best places to visit as landmarks of Lincoln's life.

Upon completion of medical school, 99 percent of practicing physicians go on to complete residency specialty training. However, the physician workforce for both primary and specialty care is limited by the residency training positions available, not the number of medical student graduates. Dr. Hadley will show how increasing the number of residency positions will affect change in the makeup and number of physicians available to the community.

Dr. Hadley received his urology residency training at University of California, Los Angeles, and completed a fellowship in neurourology, urodynamics, and female urology at UCLA. Dr. Hadley joined the LLU School of Medicine faculty in 1983 and served as the chief of urology from 1990 until 2002, when he was named the Dean of the School of Medicine. Dr. Hadley is certified by both the American Board of Urology and the American Board of Surgery.

Although people usually think of maps as a tool for performing routine functions, maps in fact have a long and rich history of telling stories on a grand scale. From antiquity to modern day, maps have charted the separation of continents, the rise and fall of empires, the dynamics of global commerce, and the quest to protect Earth's natural wonders.

For more than two decades, Allen Carroll told stories with maps at National Geographic. As the Society's chief cartographer, he participated in the creation of dozens of wall maps, atlases, globes, and cartographic websites. He joined Esri as head of a "story maps" team that uses state-of-the-art GIS technology, combined with digital media, to bring maps to life in new ways. His team's award-winning efforts have accurately and artfully plotted the battles of the Civil War, the development of solar power, the paths of killer hurricanes, the distribution of endangered species, and much more.

Allen will tell his own story through maps and will describe the new relevance of maps in the digital age. The presentation is part of the local Esri-sponsored activities for Geography Awareness Week, including GIS presentations held Wednesday, November 14th at A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands, California.

The Mars rover landing was a product of innovation. Before the mission ever launched from Earth, scientists used geospatial technology to identify which areas of Mars fit the entry, descent, and landing criteria of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). The strategic use of GIS and Mars sub-meter pixel imagery played an important role in planning rover day-to-day navigation and charting a course towards the Mars summit of Mt. Sharp.

Distinguished speakers Dr. Art Thompson and Dr. Fred Calef will share their first-hand experiences on the miracle of science and invention—the landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars.

October 10, 2012Charles H. Thomas, Regional Manager, Pacific West Region Youth Programs for the National Park Service

The outdoors offers a unique experience that resonates with people and stirs the imagination. Yet as cities continue to grow, are people still connecting with rural settings? Presenter Charles H. Thomas, Regional Manager, Pacific West Region Youth Programs for the National Park Service, will address Redlands' urban population and the possibilities for connecting youths and adults, especially inner city minority groups, to the city's unique and amazing wild places—for the benefit of the entire community.

As he describes the land's compelling draw, he will offer a better way to engage a broader audience in preserving the irreplaceable landscapes. He will focus on overcoming barriers, both real and perceived, that people encounter when connecting to open spaces.

Thomas has been involved with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) throughout his life, working with OBA as full-time executive director for 16 years. During that time, he created several award-winning programs dedicated to enriching the lives of underserved urban populations, especially high-risk youth and their families, by introducing them to the therapeutic value of spending time in wild places and open spaces.

Ricketts was a founder of modern environmentalism and a pioneer of ecology as a scientific discipline. His book Between Pacific Tides remains the primary reference on west coast marine invertebrates, more than seventy years after its first publication.

Between The Tides follows retired marine biologist Bud Laurent on a quest to reconnect with some old friends, naturalists whose lives embody the curiosity, mental discipline and sense of wonder that made Ricketts a great scientist and "the Renaissance man of Cannery Row."

Don't miss the Southern California premier of this inspiring film, shot on the California central coast and in Baja California. Peter Coonradt will introduce the film and join audience members for questions and discussion at the reception following the screening.

Mars was once believed to be a god in the sky. Then Mars was thought to be the abode of intelligent canal-builders. Most recently, it was believed to be barren and dead like the Moon. Now it appears this might be wrong as well.

As NASA's newest rover, Curiosity, begins to survey Mars for the conditions necessary for life, several questions surface. How do we explore Mars with open eyes? What will the future hold in store for us when eventually we travel there ourselves?

Esteemed University of Redlands Professor Dr. Tyler Nordgren will explore how humankind's fascination with Mars has shaped our perception. He'll also talk about the current and future possibilities that exist as we deepen our understanding of the Red Planet.

Later this fall, representatives from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will present a program on the engineering challenges of the Mars Curiosity mission. Make sure to check back to learn more.

May 30, 2012Monty Hempel, Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Center for Environmental Studies at the University of Redlands

Distinguished University of Redlands Professor Lamont (Monty) C. Hempel will explore the promise and limitations of sustainability as a means for achieving a more green, profitable, and fair society. A sustainable community is one that integrates the goals of economic vitality, environmental quality, and social equity. Sustainability can be thought of as a community's collective bequest: what we leave future generations in the way of healthy ecosystems, strong economies, art, and challenges worthy of a highly educated society. Mr. Hempel will examine the challenges that Redlands faces in achieving greater sustainability.

Monty Hempel is Hedco Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Center for Environmental Studies at the University of Redlands. His teaching, research, and public service interests focus on environmental science and politics, sustainability concepts and practice, climate disruption, and marine environmental studies, with particular emphasis on international coral reef protection.

The SYRCL's (South Yuba River Citizens League) will be bringing its Wild & Scenic® Film Festival to Redlands. The third annual event returns with another incredible selection of films. The festival combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and encourage solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities. The audience can expect to see Award winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and indigenous cultures.

This year's selections will take you to some of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet. It will introduce you to the magnificent animals that inhabit these places and the courageous individuals who are working to protect and preserve both for future generations. The films instill a deep appreciation and a sense of wonder for the natural world that surrounds and supports us.

In May of 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt, planning a tour of the western forests, invited the naturalist John Muir to a four-day camping trip in the Yosemite wilderness. The Tramp and the Roughrider illuminates this extraordinary encounter, with the action unfolding at sunset on Glacier Point, overlooking the magnificent Yosemite Valley. You'll experience how these very different men slowly discover that they both have been shaped by the wilderness they love, opening up the rich possibilities of "doing some forest good."

Enjoy the wonderful performances Lee Stetson as John Muir and Alan Sutterfield as President Teddy Roosevelt. Sutterfield has been an actor and playwright for many years, both in Hawaii and on the mainland. On stage he has been General George Custer, Captain James Cook, and John Merrick, and The Elephant Man. Stetson's acting career has included more than fifty major roles in theater and television. He has performed from Shakespeare to Simon, and his television credits include a dozen episodes of Hawaii 5-0.

Registration Full for Thursday, April 5th

Registration for 'The Tramp and the Roughrider' is now full for Thursday, April 5th. Auditorium seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Waitlist and Walk-Ins will be admitted to an overflow room with limited seating available five minutes prior to the beginning of the program to view a live video feed.

March 1, 2012Max Holmes, senior scientist at the Woods Hole Research Center

Max Holmes will suggest that rivers provide powerful insights into our changing planet. He will discuss how in the same way human health can be evaluated by analyzing blood chemistry, so too can watershed health be assessed by monitoring the characteristics of river water. Using photographs, video, and maps, Mr. Holmes will draw on examples from the tropics to the Arctic, including his work on the world's greatest rivers such as the Amazon, Congo, and Kolyma. Much of this work is motivated by a desire to understand the causes and consequences of global climate change. In particular, Holmes will emphasize the implications of permafrost thaw in the Arctic and deforestation in the tropics.

The year 2012 marks the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, one of the seminal events in US history, forever changing the nation. Dr. Larry Burgess, Director of A.K. Smiley Public Library, which includes the renowned Lincoln Memorial Shrine, will provide a compelling Civil War narrative focused on the year 1862 and the consequences of the carnage of war. The title of the talk, "1862: The Book of Murder," is taken from a phrase in the 1866 book, "The Fighting Quakers," which is a record of two Quaker brothers who fought in the Union Army; one was killed in battle and the other died in prison. Their lives mirror that of tens of thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers—young men in their prime—who bravely fought and served their country during this tumultuous time. It also parallels what Lincoln confronted in the same timeframe: a low point in the war when the fate of the nation stood hanging in the balance.

The loss of cultural heritage is often viewed as a necessary consequence of economic and social development. Most countries try to balance economic development with cultural heritage preservation. Yet the pace of modernization in developing countries puts this balance in favor of economic interests.

In this lecture, Dr. Jeffrey H. Altschul will explore these issues through the lens of one country: Mongolia. The country is relying on the development of its rich mineral resources to fuel economic growth. It is also committed to preserving its cultural heritage. In 2010, the Mongolian International Heritage Team was awarded a contract by Oyu Tolgoi LLC, a large Mongolian mining venture, to design a cultural heritage plan (CHP) for the South Gobi. In addition to tangible resources, the CHP is about people and empowering local communities to identify those aspects of culture that are important to them and finding ways to preserve them. In this forum, you'll see a real-world example of how both economic and cultural interests can find a mutually beneficial balance.

January 12, 2012Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden and George Engelmann Professor of Botany Emeritus at Washington University

Raven, a leading botanist and conservationist, will discuss the state of the environment today including biodiversity loss and what we can do about it.

In the 1960s, Raven realized that the rapid growth of the human population, increasing consumption, and the spread of polluting technologies were threatening biological diversity to an unprecedented degree. He soon became an outspoken advocate for conservation throughout the world, working to attain sustainability and social justice everywhere. TIME magazine described him as a "Hero for the Planet."

In 2001, Raven received the National Medal of Science, the highest award for scientific accomplishment in the United States. He has been president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he served for 12 years as Home Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences.

Raven has written numerous books and is coeditor of the Flora of China, a joint Chinese-American international project that is leading to a contemporary, 50-volume account on all the plants of China. It is scheduled for completion in 2012.

2011

Back by popular demand, December's Redlands Forum once again feature a special production: Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory performed by Chris Beach and Sally Norton. The evening is a special holiday event for the whole family with live music, live sound effects, and heartfelt storytelling. This is the second year A Christmas Memorywill be performed as part of the Redlands Forum Speaker Series.

Truman Capote wrote short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction. Many of his works are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a "nonfiction novel."

A Christmas Memory is Capote's masterful short memoir. Set in rural Alabama during the Depression, it recalls Capote's unique childhood friendship with his elder cousin Miss Sook Faulk. The unlikely pair would scrape together pennies and bake fruitcakes to create presents they could mail to acquaintances around the world. The memory of that friendship—depicted in this live reader's performance—celebrates the power of love between generations and the spirit of giving.

The Performers

Theatre Arts professor Chris Beach holds an MFA in Directing for the Stage from the UCLA School of Theatre, Television and Film, and a BFA in Acting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Chris is the recipient of both the American College Theatre Festival Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and the University of Redlands Alumni Relations Award. In addition, he is founding artistic director of the Performance Loft, an alternative not-for profit arts organization based in Redlands, CA. Chris's adaptation of A Christmas Memory was first produced at the Performance Loft in 2002.

Sally Norton earned degrees from Grinnell College and Northwestern University. She directed, designed, acted, and taught theatre at Occidental College in California, Cal State Los Angeles, Los Angeles City College, and USC, where she eventually earned her PhD. Sally currently resides in Redlands, California and has worked at the Performance Loft and at Footlighters.

Twenty-five years ago, Redlands locals wanted to preserve the City's remaining natural and agricultural open spaces. This led to the creation of the 1987 Open Space Plan, also known as the Emerald Necklace Plan. Through the years, the City and organizations have worked to protect land specifically designated for the Emerald Necklace.

Where does the plan stand now?
How does the City benefit today from protected areas?
Can the Necklace ever be completed?

The next Redlands Forum examines the Emerald Necklace now and into the future. It premiers a new Peter Coonradt film short about one of the Emerald Necklace jewels, the San Timoteo Canyon Nature Sanctuary. In addition to the film viewing, Pete Dangermond, author of the original Redlands Open Space Plan, Peter Coonradt, and Executive Director Sherli Leonard of the Redlands Conservancy will answer questions and speak in person about these precious resources.

The next Redlands Forum features Redlands' very own Jane Roberts, co-founder of 34 Million Friends of the United Nations Population Fund. Jane will talk about the world's population and women's access to education, equality, and human rights. She will share how her experiences in Redlands helped shape and motivate her lifetime of activism.

Jane Roberts has been recognized by Ms. Magazine, Women's eNews, the American Public Health Association, and by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. She was also recently featured in the international best-seller Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and his journalist wife Sheryl Wudunn.

Milford Wayne Donaldson FAIA, Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, California State Historic Preservation Officer, and long-time preservation architect, will draw on his multiple perspectives to highlight what he believes are both challenges and opportunities, with particular attention to sustainability and the Redlands regional area. He will also look ahead at the role of the Advisory Council in coordinating its responsibilities, including minimizing federal construction effects on historic properties, with State Historic Preservation Offices, consulting parties, and the Council. Topics will include:

Former presidential candidate and consumer advocate Ralph Nader has spent much of his life crusading against the wrong-doings he witnessed in American society. He has fostered positive change through decades of writing, public speaking, and activism. Now he has focused his passion on building the strength of local communities.

In this interactive program, Mr. Nader, along with his sister and social scientist Claire Nader, will look what defines “community” and why it is important. Starting at the global level, both will discuss the pace of change and the issue of apathy in the world, in the United States, and in our local communities. They will offer concrete examples of how to build better community, including those they have implemented in their hometown of Winsted, Connecticut. They will also discuss the most important concept to developing community: civic motivation.

We invite you to learn, share, and be inspired to get involved in the cornerstone of democracy: community.

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September 16, 2011Mr. Rajendra S. Pawar, Chairman and Co-founder of the NIIT Group

The Redlands Forum returns with a new lineup of terrific events. This year promises to be the best yet, with the series covering a wide spectrum of interests and activities.

Our next Forum features Mr. Rajendra S. Pawar, Chairman and Co-founder of the NIIT Group.

Mr. Pawar is a pioneer in the IT revolution that has transformed the country of India. He built a massive computer training and educational network that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people acquiring new job skills. This has impacted almost every village town in the country. Mr. Pawar's vision to create a way for people to invest in their own future has changed aspirations and capabilities of an entire nation. His success offers a true lesson in how technology learning can transform an entire economy and society.

May 23, 2011C. Duane Dauner, President of the California Hospital Association

The healthcare reform bill of 2010 was landmark legislation that will impact us as individuals and organizations.

Join us as C. Duane Dauner discusses healthcare reform and what it means to you. Mr. Dauner was appointed President and CEO of the California Hospital Association (CHA) in 1985. CHA is one of the nation's largest state health care associations, representing more than 400 hospitals and health systems.

Mr. Dauner has been active in national hospital and health care issues, serving on numerous American Hospital Association (AHA) and American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) boards and committees. He has authored numerous articles and a book; is a nationally known leader on health issues; and has lectured at several California university graduate programs.

In 2002, Mr. Dauner received ACHE's highest honor, the Gold Medal Award, and he has been honored by the Partners in Care Foundation, National Health Foundation, UCLA and Health Care Executives of Southern California.

Don't miss this engaging, informative presentation about the major health policy changes that will affect all of us.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival is on the road and coming to Redlands! This tour includes a selection of short films to change your world. The actual festival meets in Nevada City, California, drawing 4,500 people. Fortunately the tour enables our community to also enjoy this stellar line-up of films at the Esri auditorium.

From hard-hitting documentaries to comical shorts, these visually inspiring films will educate and activate viewers of all ages for creating a better world. The Friday evening session, best suited for a mature audience, features 9 engaging and inspiring short documentaries.

Dayton Duncan, an award-winning author and filmmaker, has been collaborating with Ken Burns on documentaries for PBS for more than 20 years. Their most recent film, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, was seen by more than 34 million viewers and brought Duncan two Emmy awards for writing and producing.

Join us as Duncan traces the history of the United States National Park system. He will describe the development of national parks, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, their champions and their challengers, and the way the park system has influenced the American consciousness.

Duncan will explain the national parks, "an idea," he says, "as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that a nation’s most magnificent and sacred places should be set aside, not for royalty or the rich but for everyone, and for all time." He will also share a few scenes from the documentary film and discuss how it was made over the course of ten years, during which he visited all 58 of America’s national parks.

April 7, 2011Dan Murphy, Professor, University of Redlands School of Music and student jazz ensemble players

University of Redlands School of Music Professor Dan Murphy will present a music-filled guided tour of the key elements of the jazz style. With the assistance of an outstanding six-piece jazz band comprised of advanced jazz students, Murphy will illustrate how and why jazz musicians interpret music in the manner they do.

Murphy and his ensemble will address common questions about jazz:

How and why was jazz born?

What key elements are in the DNA of all jazz styles?

What skills do the most successful performers and listeners bring to jazz?

Why do I like traditional jazz but find modern styles so hard to listen to?

Why are some styles of music considered "Pop Music" and others "Art Music"?

With so much music in the world why is jazz important?

Could it be true that jazz is the "Indigenous Art Form" of the United States?

Darrel Rhea, CEO of Cheskin Added Value, has worked for more than 30 years at the front lines of innovation with the world's top corporations. He has helped drive growth strategies through the development of critical insights on customers, markets, and businesses.

Come hear Rhea share his success in driving innovation for contemporary design consulting practices. He has built a successful organization renowned for delivering proprietary insights and go-to-market strategies for category leaders. By integrating the disciplines of social science, business analytics and design methods at Cheskin, Rhea contributes significantly to the reinvention of business consulting.

A recognized thought leader, Rhea co-authored the book Making Meaning: How Successful Businesses Deliver Meaningful Customer Experiences. He is frequently interviewed and quoted on radio, television, newspapers, magazines, books and blogs (featured on CNN, and in Inc. Magazine, Fortune, Business Week, and Malcolm Gladwell's Blink). He has also authored articles in numerous business and professional publications. Rhea was awarded the Design Management Institute's "Jay Doblin Award" for design theory.

February 21, 2011Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace, will discuss her work with chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania's Gombe National Park; and the future of the people, animals, and environment in that region and beyond.

John Muir was a renowned naturalist, author, and early advocate of wilderness preservation. He was instrumental in setting aside Yosemite and other national parks, and founded the Sierra Club in 1892.

Capture the spirit of John Muir as actor Lee Stetson performs his one-person show based on Muir's true-life adventures. Stetson's acting career has included more than fifty major roles in theater and television.

Experience Stetson's artful performance as he showcases one of our nation's great explorers and defender of nature.

January 11, 2011Jack Brown, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Stater Bros. Supermarkets

Brown spoke on the future of your grocery-buying experience and the history of Stater Bros., which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2011. Stater Bros. is Southern California's largest privately-owned supermarket chain as well as its only locally-owned supermarket chain.

Brown has served the supermarket industry for almost 60 years. He has been chief executive officer at Stater Bros. for more than 28 years and chairman of the board for more than 23 years. A native of San Bernardino, California, he began his supermarket career as a box boy at Berk's Market Spot in San Bernardino, California, at the age of 13.

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2010

December's Redlands Forum featured a special production: Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory performed by Chris Beach and Sally Norton. The evening was a special holiday event for the whole family with live music, live sound effects, and heartfelt storytelling.

Truman Capote wrote short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction. Many of his works are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a "nonfiction novel."

A Christmas Memory is Capote's masterful short memoir. Set in rural Alabama during the Depression, it recalls Capote's unique childhood friendship with his elder cousin Miss Sook Faulk. The unlikely pair would scrape together pennies and bake fruitcakes to create presents they could mail to acquaintances around the world. The memory of that friendship—depicted in this live reader's performance—celebrates the power of love between generations and the spirit of giving.

The Performers

Theatre Arts professor Chris Beach holds an MFA in Directing for the Stage from the UCLA School of Theatre, Television and Film, and a BFA in Acting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Chris is the recipient of both the American College Theatre Festival Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and the University of Redlands Alumni Relations Award. In addition, he is founding artistic director of the Performance Loft, an alternative not-for profit arts organization based in Redlands, CA. Chris's adaptation of A Christmas Memory was first produced at the Performance Loft in 2002.

Sally Norton earned degrees from Grinnell College and Northwestern University. She directed, designed, acted, and taught theatre at Occidental College in California, Cal State Los Angeles, Los Angeles City College, and USC, where she eventually earned her PhD. Sally currently resides in Redlands, California. She worked last year at the Performance Loft and at Footlighters, where she is currently in rehearsal for Alone Together Again to play in January.

Esri President Jack Dangermond and several leaders from the City of Redlands, California, formed a panel discussion seeking to forge a vision for making the city an even better place to live.

University and K–12 school leaders, city government staff, police, and conservationists participated in the forum moderated by Mr. Dangermond. Topics included current issues, the many different facets that make Redlands special, what needs to be preserved, and
the vision for the city. Panelists brought both strategic and practical ideas from their respective fields.

The ultimate goal was to take the ideas generated from the forum and apply them to the GeoDesign process for improving the city. Based on concepts found in Ian McHarg's seminal Design With Nature, GeoDesign integrates geographic science with design, resulting in a systematic methodology for geographic planning and decision making.

If you get your news from the Internet or a mobile phone and read books using a Kindle, you're part of the growing digital media revolution. But while digital delivery gives you greater access to more information faster than ever before, does it bring you better information?

For an insider's look into how the digital revolution is changing and, in some cases, upending the journalism and book publishing worlds, Bloomberg News columnist Rich Jaroslovsky presented a lively discussion of the shifting tides and fates in media.

Jaroslovsky covers technology and digital media for Bloomberg News and Bloomberg Businessweek. Before that, he served as executive editor in charge of Bloomberg's worldwide coverage of government, political, and economic news. He also had a lengthy career at Dow Jones & Co. where he helped launch the first The Wall Street Journal Online edition, becoming the publication's first managing editor.

A California native, Jaroslovsky graduated from Stanford University where he was the editor-in-chief of the Stanford Daily. He and his wife recently moved from New York City to Emerald Hills, California. Their two children attend the University of Redlands.

October 11, 2010Peter Seligmann, chairman of the board and CEO, Conservation International

Peter Seligmann has a vision and a mission. The vision is an environmentally healthy world that will provide economic opportunities and security for all people. The mission is to bring together industry, government, religious leaders, professors, scientists, and local and indigenous people to make that a reality.

Since cofounding Conservation International in 1987, Seligmann has overseen its growth from a few zealous individuals to one of the foremost forces for conservation today. He is widely recognized as one of the world's most inspiring and dynamic environmental entrepreneur. Constantly bringing new ideas and innovation to the table, his spirit has changed the scale of conservation.

Seligmann holds a master's degree from Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Science and an honorary Doctorate in Science from Michigan State University. He has been on the forefront of biodiversity protection for more than 25 years and has received many accolades in recognition of his environmental leadership.

York's passion for great food, resource conservation, and scientific integrity fuels nation-wide sustainability initiatives for food service company Bon Appétit. The company's foundation works to educate chefs and consumers about how their food choices affect the global environment and to catalyze supply chain changes.

In 2007, York launched the company's Low Carbon Diet program to raise awareness of the connection between the food system and climate change. The goal of the initiative is to reduce emissions associated with Bon Appétit's food service operations by 25% over five years.

York regularly contributes to The Atlantic Monthly's Food Channel and frequently lecturers at universities. She earned an undergraduate degree at Harvard and a master's degree at Yale.

Redlands Emerald Necklace, Save the Redwoods League, and The Save State Parks Initiative

Mr. Dangermond spoke on the Redlands Emerald Necklace Project and proposed San Timoteo Canyon State Park and how these land preservation projects connect with other Inland Empire open spaces.

He explained what individuals can do to support a statewide initiative to help California's urban rivers and state parks, wildlife areas, and conservancies, which are all struggling to survive extreme state budget cuts.

Dr. Brown spoke on the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Research Center and its contributions to understanding global environmental issues.

Dr. Kellndorfer described research projects that use satellite imagery technology to map global forests. His talk was intriguingly titled, Shooting with the Radar Gun: Another Radiological Tool to Diagnose and Monitor Patient Earth.

Ed Stein's editorial cartoons have appeared in the Denver Rocky Mountain News for more than 25 years. His presentation described how he uses cartooning and politics to take on larger human issues, ever mindful of the "better angels" keeping watch over his shoulder.

We celebrated Earth Day with the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival. These exquisite short films explored environmental issues from Canadian rivers to Kenyan forests and Caribbean shores, and then on a tour of sustainable farms.

April 8, 2010Hernando de Soto, president of Peru's Institute for Liberty and Democracy

Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto is an expert on informal economies and a champion of bringing property rights to the poor as a means of helping them lift themselves out of poverty.

De Soto has based his work, in Peru and around the world, on the premise that free markets, individual freedom, and especially the right to property can transform the poor into the most powerful resource in the world.

Doris Baizley, Lossett visiting professor/playwright in residence, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Redlands Marco Schindelmann, artist professor of voice and director of the University Opera, University of Redlands

Redlands native James Fallows is a well-known analyst of American politics, technology, and culture and has authored eight books.

His cover article in the January/February issue of The Atlantic magazine, "How America Can Rise Again," points out America's strengths as well as flaws and identifies issues that may be key to avoiding further economic decline.

The South American country of Guyana is implementing a unique approach to conservation that seeks to combat deforestation while building new economic opportunities for its citizens. The program aligns with United Nations support for countries that put the brakes on deforestation.

Introductory remarks were made by D. James Baker, director, Global Carbon Measurement Program, William J. Clinton Foundation, and former administrator, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Guyana will use environmental monitoring technology from Esri to develop its carbon accounting methodology.

January 13, 2010Tyler Nordgren, astronomer and associate professor of physics at the University of Redlands